Better than Good

Romans 8: 28
All things work together for good to those who love God.

This verse was in the Daily Bread this morning and at first glance it's a nice verse.
It's a verse people quote regularly especially in Christian circles, especially if someone is dealing with something heavy in their lives.
But what does it mean?
One of the quotes from the Daily Bread says, "Don't confuse God with life."
Sometimes as followers we scream, we stomp, we cry when things are hard and not going our way. 
"How can something good come out of this Lord?!"
Whenever I feel these attitudes and questions arise I have to remind myself that God's promise is not of this world. 
This world is wacky.
His promise is of Heaven, and eternal life.
When our dear uncle passed away at a very young age we were heartbroken, confused.  How could such a wonderful man of God go so young? 
But as we listened to testimony after testimony how he encouraged so many people to turn to God we were amazed.  And, even in his death people were turning to God and stepping up to new commitments that they weren't bold enough to do before, we were amazed.  God was truly working things together for good to those who loved Him.  Our uncle was in Heaven and those of us left behind were left with some big shoes to fill. 
It's not easy to say good bye.  It's not easy to lose a job.  It's not easy being sick or in pain a lot.
But, the reward is worth the journey.  It will be better than good.